DAY 1: UK - Prague.
Fly to Prague, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Czech Republic's vibrant capital.

DAY 2-3: Prague.
Begin your holiday exploring this exciting, beautiful city with an included tour on the morning of day 2. Graced by a magnificent medieval centre, winding cobbled streets and romantic courtyards, Prague is also full of gourmet restaurants, pavement cafés and great shopping. Our tour includes highlights such as the stunning National Theatre, stately Charles Bridge, a visit to Hradcany Castle and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock. The rest of your time in Prague can be spent exploring the city at leisure, your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (B)

DAY 4: Prague - Nuremberg, Germany.
Early this afternoon, head to Nuremberg where you'll join your ship, MS Avalon Artistry, for your cruise along Europe's most romantic river. (B, D)

DAY 5: Nuremberg.
Today, your included sightseeing of Bavaria's second largest city includes some of its most historic landmarks. Since the bombing of WWII, much of the city has been restored to its original glory, boasting lovely cobblestone squares, half-timbered houses and the majestic city walls of old. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Regensburg.
Immerse yourself in Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. You'll see the charming Old Town Hall, famous white and gold Old Chapel and the Porta Pretoria, gates to the Roman fort built in 179AD. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Passau - Linz.
Our next port of call is Passau, straddling the meeting point of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. Known for its elegant arcades and cobbled lanes, your included sightseeing encompasses St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ, and numerous other historic treasures. Alternatively, enjoy our optional day tour to Baroque Salzburg with its popular 'Sound of Music' sights. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Melk - Vienna.
Enjoy a guided visit of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey which dominates the town from a nearby hillside and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace of the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Continue to Vienna, where an optional concert is available tonight. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Vienna.
Glorious sightseeing lies ahead, this time in Vienna, seat of the Habsburg emperors for over 600 years and bursting with Baroque palaces, lavish architecture and a rich cultural heritage. You'll experience the main sights, from the stately Opera House and Ringstrasse to the magnificent Hofsburg Palace and St Stephen's Cathedral. Later enjoy some free time to discover the city's delights for yourself. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Budapest.
Yet another of Europe's finest cities beckons, with an included tour of elegant Budapest, with its two halves - Buda and Pest - connected by seven splendid bridges, including the graceful Chain and Elisabeth bridges. Drink in the ambience of this lively city, with its broad avenues and fairytale castles, whilst enjoying visits to its round-towered Fisherman's Bastion. Later, enjoy a visit to the Puszta or 'Great Plains', an integral part of Hungarian rural life. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Budapest.
Enjoy an included excursion to the nearby Puszta, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared and which is so much a part of Hungarian rural life. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Kalocsa.
A fascinating visit to Kalocsa, beautifully set on terraces above the Danube. The guided walking tour includes a visit to the Paprika Museum. Founded in 1009, this charming city is a centre of Hungarian folkart and rich in baroque architecture. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Novi Sad.
Your guided tour shows you the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress, overlooking Novi Sad. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube', this vast edifice commands superlative views from its walls. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Belgrade.
Serbia's capital offers countless highlights and your included sightseeing features Marshal Tito's tomb, the impressive Kalemegdan Fortress and the world's largest orthodox church of St. Sava. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Iron Gates.
Today marvel at spectacular scenery as we cruise the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, dividing Europe's Alps from the Carpathian mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Svistov - Veliko Târnovo - Arbanassi - Rousse.
A day's excursion to Bulgaria's ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo to admire its royal fortress, palaces and the Patriarch's Church, continuing to picturesque Arbanassi with its Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity with its outstanding collection of frescoes, before rejoining your ship at Rousse. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Constanta.
Constanta, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea Riviera' is Romania's most important commercial centre and a popular holiday resort. This historic city stands on the Black Sea coast and dates back to Roman times. Enjoy the city's highlights including its Natural History and Archaeological Museum and grandiose St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 18: Oltenita.
Disembark your cruise ship and transfer to Bucharest for an exciting tour of this lively city's main sights, including its fascinating National Art Museum. (B)

DAY 19: Bucharest - UK.
Transfer to Bucharest airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)